Pet litter box

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

0001Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

0002Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0003This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0004The present inventive concept relates to the field of pet litter boxes. More particularly, the invention relates to a pet litter box having enhanced odor control capabilities.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0005Domestic cats kept as pets are usually trained to use a litter box for elimination of both liquid and solid wastes. A cat litter box is normally made of a liquid impermeable material so that a cat's urine will not leak through the box. The box may optionally have a cover. The litter used in these boxes may be one of any number of particulate litter or other materials that absorb moisture from the waste of the cat. The litter material may also suppress odor from cat waste. Some forms of litter form clumps when wet. Usually, a cat will bury its solid waste in the litter material in the box. The litter box requires periodic cleaning to remove the cat's solid waste and the litter that is saturated with urine.

0006A problem with such litter is that it only eliminates the odor when the litter has become dry due to evaporation of the urine. However, as the litter is clumped or becomes piled up due to the cat covering the urine location, the saturated litter does not dry quickly and therefore the odor remains for an extended period of time.

0007A need therefore exists for an improved pet litter box which promotes the drying of litter to restrict the emission of odors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0008An improved pet litter box is provided herein. The pet litter box comprises a base portion having a floor, a pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls extending from the floor, a rear wall extending from the floor, and a front wall extending from the floor. The pet litter box also has a grid floor removably coupled to the base portion and having a plurality of grid holes extending there through, and a cover removably coupled to the base portion. Wherein the base portion includes a plurality of vents positioned about the base portion floor and below the grid floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0009So that the manner in which the present inventions can be better understood, certain illustrations, charts and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of an illustrative pet litter box embodying principles of the invention in a preferred form.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is an exploded view of the pet litter box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a bottom view of the pet litter box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective, bottom view of the pet litter box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a side view of the pet litter box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, showing select interior structures in phantom lines.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a perspective view of a pet litter box embodying principles of the invention in another preferred form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Definitions

0016For purposes of the present disclosure, it is noted that spatially relative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Description of Selected Specific Embodiments

0017With reference next to the drawings, there is shown a pet litter box <b>10</b> in a preferred form of the invention. The litter box <b>10</b> includes an enclosure or housing <b>12</b> having a base portion <b>14</b>, a middle or grid portion <b>16</b> configured to nest within the base portion <b>14</b>, and a cover or top portion <b>18</b> configured to mesh with the base portion <b>14</b>.

0018The base portion <b>14</b> has a floor <b>20</b> from which extends a raised, peripheral ledge <b>22</b> about three sides of the floor <b>20</b>, namely the two oppositely disposed side walls <b>24</b> and the rear wall <b>26</b>. The peripheral ledge <b>22</b> includes a generally vertical wall <b>28</b> which transitions to a horizontal wall <b>30</b>. A pair of oppositely disposed tray guide rails <b>32</b> extend between the floor <b>20</b> and the peripheral ledge vertical wall <b>28</b>. The base portion <b>14</b> also includes a front wall <b>34</b>, which in combination with the rear wall <b>26</b>, and two side walls <b>24</b> form a base portion top edge <b>36</b>. The front wall <b>34</b>, rear wall <b>26</b> and sidewalls <b>24</b> may all be considered sidewalls as they form the sides of the base portion <b>14</b>.

0019The front wall <b>34</b> includes a tray slot <b>38</b> extending there through which is configured to receive a removable tray <b>40</b>. The tray <b>40</b> is slidable upon the pair of guide rails <b>32</b> between a removed position, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, and a stowed position fully enclosed within the base portion <b>14</b>. The removable tray <b>40</b> has a shallow, generally rectangular shaped basin <b>42</b> and a handle <b>44</b>. The basin <b>42</b> has a flat floor <b>46</b> and a raised peripheral edge <b>50</b>. The handle <b>44</b> is positioned above the basin peripheral edge <b>50</b> and is hollow with a bottom opening <b>52</b> to allow the entry of a person's finger's for gripping purposes. The tray basin <b>42</b> is configured to receive a conventional pet urine absorbent pad. The exterior surface of the handle <b>44</b> is configured to match or mesh with the exterior surface of the front wall <b>34</b> to provide a uniform appearance.

0020The horizontal wall <b>30</b> of the peripheral ledge <b>22</b> includes a series of air vents <b>56</b>. Each air vent <b>56</b> has an upwardly extending hood <b>58</b> having a rear wall <b>60</b>, two oppositely disposed end walls <b>62</b> which define an outwardly facing air exit or outlet opening <b>64</b> spaced from and facing the adjacent base portion side wall <b>24</b> or base portion rear wall <b>26</b> and facing away from the floor <b>20</b>. Each air outlet opening <b>64</b> is in fluid communication with a bottom air inlet opening <b>66</b> extending through the ledge horizontal wall <b>30</b>. The air inlet opening <b>66</b> is in fluid communication with ambient air external of the litter box <b>10</b>. The air vents, and especially the air inlet <b>66</b> is positioned upon the raised ledge so that it is elevated above the underlying floor of the home to promote better air flow ventilation and prevent the air inlets from being blocked, which may occur if the underlying structure is carpet or the like.

0021The grid portion <b>16</b> has a generally flat floor <b>72</b> with a series or grid of holes <b>74</b> there through. The grid holes <b>74</b> have a diameter size of approximately 2 mm to allow the passage of urine through the grid holes <b>74</b>, yet prevent or restrict the passage of conventional cat litter there through. The grid portion floor <b>72</b> extends to four sidewalls <b>76</b> each having a first portion <b>78</b> set at an angle or slope which extends to a more upright portion <b>80</b> which are configured to nest against the base portion sidewalls <b>24</b>, base portion front wall <b>34</b>, and base portion rear wall <b>26</b>. The grid portion first portions <b>78</b> are sloped towards the grip portion floor <b>72</b> so that a mass of conventional litter may be positioned upon the grid portion <b>16</b> is gravitationally forced centrally onto the grid portion floor <b>72</b>. The grid portion sidewalls <b>76</b> terminate with a outwardly extending flange or lip <b>82</b> which overlays the top edge <b>36</b> of the base portion sidewalls <b>24</b>, base portion front wall <b>34</b>, and base portion rear walls <b>26</b>. The grid portion <b>16</b> in combination with the base portion <b>14</b> defines an air chamber <b>86</b> therebetween. Thus, the air chamber <b>86</b> is in fluid communication with the vents <b>56</b> and the grid holes <b>74</b>.

0022The top portion <b>18</b> also includes an peripheral inner wall <b>90</b> which extends divergently from a top portion front wall <b>92</b>, rear wall <b>94</b> and side walls <b>96</b> to form a peripheral space <b>98</b>. The peripheral space <b>98</b> receives the lip <b>82</b> of the grid portion sidewalls <b>76</b> to maintain the position of the top portion <b>18</b> relative to both the grid portion <b>16</b> and the base portion <b>14</b>. The top portion front wall <b>92</b>, rear wall <b>94</b> and side walls <b>96</b> extend to a top wall <b>99</b> which defines a top opening <b>100</b>.

0023The top wall <b>99</b> also has a matrix of holes <b>102</b> which are configured to allow the passage of conventional litter there through which may fall off the paws of a pet when exiting the litter box <b>10</b>. The pet litter PL passing through the holes <b>102</b> fall back into the mass of pet litter PL positioned upon the grid portion <b>16</b>.

0024In use, a mass of conventional pet litter PL, preferably a crystal litter, is poured onto the grid portion <b>16</b>. The top portion <b>18</b> is then fitted onto the grid portion <b>16</b> with the lip <b>82</b> of the grid portion <b>16</b> residing within the peripheral space <b>98</b> of the top portion <b>18</b>. A conventional urine absorption pad is also positioned upon the floor <b>46</b> of the removable tray <b>40</b> and the removable tray <b>40</b> is slid upon the guide rails <b>32</b> so that it is positioned at its stowed position.

0025The pet may then position itself within the opening <b>99</b> of the top portion <b>18</b> where it may then urinate upon the mass of conventional litter PL. The urine is absorbed by the pet litter PL. If any excess urine passing through the grid holes <b>74</b> in the grid portion floor <b>72</b> it will fall onto the underlying urine absorbent pad P position within the tray <b>40</b>.

0026The pet litter box <b>10</b> of the present invention promotes the drying of the pet litter PL by creating a ventilating airflow through the pet litter PL contained within the pet litter box <b>10</b>. Air or an airstream enters the air chamber <b>86</b> by passing through the air inlet openings <b>66</b> of the peripheral vents <b>56</b> and exiting the peripheral vents <b>56</b> through air outlet openings <b>64</b>, as indicated by the arrows in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The airstream then travels between the base portion <b>14</b> and tray <b>40</b> and the grid portion <b>16</b> to a position below the floor <b>72</b> of the grid portion <b>16</b>. The airstream then continues through the grid holes <b>74</b> in the grid portion floor <b>72</b> and through the pet litter PL. The air passing upwardly through the pet litter PL dries the pet litter through evaporation, thereby “recharging” the pet litter so that it may absorb additional urine. The evaporation of the urine contained within the pet litter PL reduces the odor associated with the pet urine.

0027The vent hoods <b>58</b> are oriented so that the air outlet openings <b>64</b> face away from the pet litter PL and toward the sidewalls <b>24</b> and rear wall <b>26</b> of the base portion <b>14</b>. This orientation prevents any pet litter PL or urine passing through the holes <b>74</b> in the grid portion floor <b>72</b> from splashing and entering the vents <b>56</b> and then falling onto the underlying floor of the home.

0028With reference next to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, there is shown a pet litter box in another preferred form of the present invention. Here, the litter box <b>110</b> is the same as that previously described except for the configuration of the top portion or cover <b>112</b>. The top portion <b>112</b> is taller so that the cat positions itself totally within the confines of the pet litter box <b>110</b>. This configuration is preferred by some cats that prefer complete seclusion.

0029It should be understood that the separate pieces of the pet litter box shown in the preferred embodiments may be formed as one unit, or a unit having some of these pieces formed as a single piece. For example, the base portion may be combined with the grid portion, or the grip portion may be combined with the top portion. Also, the top portion may be eliminated altogether, however, this is not preferred as the top portion aids in preventing the pet litter from being kicked out of the litter box by the pet.

0030A pet litter box of an embodiment is comprising a base having a floor and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from said floor. The base has at least one vent extending through the base. The pet litter box also has a grid portion positioned above the base having a floor with a plurality of holes there through, and a top portion at least partially covering the grid portion and having a top opening sized and shaped to allow the passage of a pet. The combination of the base and the grid portion define an air chamber therebetween which is in fluid communication with the vent and the grid portion plurality of holes.

0031The pet litter box also comprises the vent including an upwardly extending hood having an air outlet facing the base sidewall closely adjacent the vent.

0032The pet litter box also comprises the hood including a rear wall and a pair of oppositely disposed end walls, wherein the rear wall is located distally from the base sidewall closely adjacent the vent.

0033The pet litter box also comprises the base including a ledge positioned above the base floor which is defined by a vertical wall extending to a horizontal wall elevated above the base floor, and wherein the vent is positioned upon the ledge horizontal wall.

0034The pet litter box also comprises the vent having has an air inlet extending through the ledge horizontal wall.

0035The pet litter box also comprises the base including a removable tray.

0036The pet litter box also comprises the base having a pair of guide rails extending from the base floor, and wherein the removable tray slides upon the pair of guide rails.

0037The pet litter box also comprises the base having a plurality of vents.

0038The pet litter box also comprises each vent including a vent inlet, a vent hood in fluid communication with the vent inlet, and a vent outlet defined by the vent hood.

0039The pet litter box also comprises the vent outlets facing way from the base floor.

0040It will be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the spirit thereof.